Books Like...

Freya, the Norse goddess of love and war, is living under the name Sara Vanadi in a mental hospital in Orlando, Florida, weakened by a lack of belief. When a shadowy corporation tries to recruit her to control or destroy all gods, she escapes with the help of a new orderly named Nate. Together, they embark on a journey to take down the evil corporation while navigating a mix of magic and technology. The story combines fantasy and science fiction elements, featuring action-packed scenes as Freya and her fellow gods fight against the corporation.

Sealskin by Su Bristow is a captivating retelling of the selkie myth set in a small Scottish fishing village. The story follows Donald, a lonely and ostracized member of the community, who witnesses something magical one night while fishing. Through dark themes, flawed characters, and a fairytale-like narrative, Bristow weaves a tale of love, transformation, and forgiveness that transcends time and resonates with modern readers.

Bristow's writing style is described as lyrical and enchanting, immersing readers in the rugged beauty of the Scottish island and the lives of the characters. The narrative skillfully explores human nature, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships, creating a story that is both haunting and emotionally resonant.

'The Love-Artist' by Jane Alison is a historical novel set in ancient Rome, focusing on the mysterious exile of the poet Ovid and his relationship with the enigmatic muse Xenia. The story delves into themes of love, jealousy, intrigue, and the quest for immortality, all cleverly intertwined with references to Ovid's own Metamorphoses. The narrative explores the complex and ultimately destructive love affair between Ovid and Xenia, set against the backdrop of Rome's decadence and corruption, creating a vivid world in both Tomis and Rome. The writing style is described as lyrical and evocative, transporting the reader to a time when magic and mysticism were considered real, adding depth to the characters and their relationships.

"The Blue Salt Road" by Joanne M. Harris is a beautifully written and enchanting modern fairytale that retells the Selkie myth. The story revolves around curiosity, young love, betrayal, and devastation, as it follows a young selkie prince who defies the warnings of his kind and gets entangled in a forbidden romance with a human girl. The book captivates readers with its poetic and musical language, vivid descriptions of the ocean and land, and a surprising twist at the end that keeps them hooked until the last page.

'North' by Donna Jo Napoli follows the story of Alvin, a young boy who embarks on a life-changing journey to the Arctic in pursuit of his hero, Matthew Henson. Despite living with an overprotective mother in Washington DC, Alvin's determination leads him to Canada and beyond, facing numerous challenges and forming unexpected friendships along the way. The plot is filled with suspense, adventure, and heartwarming moments as Alvin discovers his own strength and resilience in the face of extreme circumstances, making it a captivating read for all ages.

Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Napoli brings to life the Arctic landscape and Alvin's emotional journey, making the reader feel like they are right beside him every step of the way. beautifully portrays themes of courage, self-discovery, and the power of perseverance, resonating with readers who enjoy a compelling adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns.

The Daylight Gate by Jeanette Winterson is a historical fiction novel based on the Lancashire Witch Trials of the 17th century. The story explores themes of witchcraft, magic, torture, and the power dynamics of the time period. Winterson's writing style is described as atmospheric, vivid, and evocative, seamlessly blending fact and fiction to create a narrative that delves into the dark and fearful times of witch hunting.

"Some Kind of Fairy Tale" by Graham Joyce is a contemporary urban fantasy novel that explores the mysterious disappearance of Tara, a young girl, and her unexpected return twenty years later. The book delves into the impact of Tara's absence on her family and friends, their reactions to her unbelievable story of living among fairies, and the psychological investigations that follow. The narrative weaves together elements of fantasy and realism, questioning the boundaries between reality and imagination. The story is told through multiple perspectives, offering a deep exploration of relationships, character development, and the blurred lines between truth and fantasy.

'A Secret History of Witches' by Louisa Morgan follows the Orchiere women from 1821 to WWII, spanning multiple generations of witches in a Romani family. Each witch inherits magical abilities and faces the responsibility of passing on the rites and traditions of witchcraft. The story delves into their struggles with secrecy, discrimination, tragic lives, and generational conflicts, while exploring themes of love, power, and survival. The plot is divided into multiple parts, focusing on each witch from a different generation, and touches on historical events to add depth to the narrative.

The writing style of the book is described as engaging, emotional, and compelling by readers. While some found the story slow-moving at times and lacking in action, others appreciated the strong mother-daughter relationships portrayed throughout the generations. combines elements of historical fiction and fantasy, offering a female-centric narrative that intertwines the lives of powerful and empowered women across different time periods.

'Red As Blood' by Tanith Lee is an anthology of re-imagined fairy tales that takes the familiar stories we all know and love and twists them into dark, sensual, and original narratives. The book features stories like 'Wolfland,' where Little Red Riding Hood is turned on its head, and 'The Golden Rope,' a mysterious and romantic version of Rapunzel with a demonic twist. Tanith Lee's writing style is described as poetic and imaginative, creating a collection that is both horrifying and sensual, with each story sending a specific message to the reader.

The book explores themes of feminism, dark fantasy, and challenges traditional storytelling norms. Readers are drawn to the unique retellings of classic tales, the thought-provoking narratives, and the unsettling endings that deviate from the original fairy tales. Tanith Lee's ability to weave together folklore, fantasy, and horror in a captivating manner keeps readers engaged and eager to delve deeper into each story.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe follows the story of Connie, a Harvard graduate student, who discovers a key and a scrap of paper with the name Deliverance Dane in her deceased grandmother's house. This discovery sets her off on a journey to find Deliverance's book, leading her to uncover her family's deep history intertwined with the Salem witch trials. The book smoothly transitions between the 17th century and 1991, weaving together elements of historical fiction, suspense, magic, and romance. The author's writing style is described as relaxed and readable, successfully interweaving historical facts with a modern-day mystery, making it an entertaining and stimulating read.